Building on the back of a positive inaugural Show in 2009, the 2010 Gibraltar International Boat Show running from 8 to 11 April was designed to offer even better value and deliver a more comprehensive programme to satisfy both exhibitors and the visiting public. The only factor beyond the organiser’s control was the influence of Mother Nature.
John Wood, Boat Show organizer, comments, “The elements certainly conspired to make the event a challenge for all involved. Ocean Village marina was buffeted almost relentlessly for four days by strong winds, gusting to gale force, and we had to manage its effects accordingly. Undoubtedly the weather had an effect on overall attendance but participants still deemed the event a success. Everyone from Breitling to Mercedes achieved confirmed sales whilst our on-water exhibitors gathered several serious leads. It seems spirit in Gibraltar isn’t easily dampened.”
John Alcantara of Boatshed Gibraltar actually found the inclement weather had its advantages, “The serious visitors were more visible to us as plenty of ‘fender-kickers’ chose to stay away. We were satisfied with the calibre of enquiries and, all being well, should have three new brokerage listings and one sale tied up as a result of the Show.”
Dominic Byrne, Managing Director of Sunseeker Costa del Sol and Gibraltar, was similarly impressed, “I would certainly deem the Show to have been a success. We’ll be following up separate offers on a Manhattan 60 and a Manhattan 66 over the coming days, although admittedly most interest was directed at the pre-owned yacht market – a sign of the times. Ocean Village’s 64 brand new premier berths, unveiled to coincide with the Show, also gained a lot of attention. The secure pontoons up to 25 metres in length are attractive to luxury yacht owners, confirmed by the fact that we’d rented four by the end of day one.”
Anxious to satisfy all ages and tastes, this second Gibraltar International Boat Show had a diverse range of add-on entertainment. The Essential Services generously donated their time with HM Customs offering white-knuckle rides on HM Sentinel, Gibraltar’s Classic Vehicle Association and the Ferrari Owners Club covered both ends of the spectrum with their car displays and local talent took to the stage with dance, music and fashion shows. Soprano sensation Donna-Marie Hughes raised her voice above the winds for A Night at the Opera and the Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority excelled with a four day schedule of golf, basketball, football, tennis, climbing and arts and crafts for the little’uns.
The Show closed with Minister for Culture, Minister Reyes, announcing the big prize winner. Christina Torrez from The Bland Group’s Gibair will be zipping through the streets of Gibraltar on a brand new motor scooter worth £2,000. Chosen charity Childline Gibraltar will receive a cheque from the proceeds of the draw.
